Production Accountant Interview Preparation

Top 10 Production Accountant Interview Questions and Answers

If you're looking to recruit a production accountant, here are the top 10 questions to ask and their corresponding answers:

1. What experience do you have working on film or television productions?

A good candidate will have experience working in the entertainment industry, either in production accounting, payroll, or even post-production accounting. Look for someone with a good understanding of production cycles and scheduling.

2. Tell me about a time when you identified and resolved an accounting discrepancy.

Look for examples where the candidate took ownership of a problem and identified the cause by troubleshooting other systems or areas. You want someone who is proactive in their problem-solving and can ensure that similar issues don't arise again in the future.

3. What accounting software are you familiar with?

The candidate should have experience working with commonly used accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or even more specialized software like Entertainment Partners or EP Smart Accounting. Familiarity with production accounting software is a plus!

4. What type of financial reports have you prepared?

The candidate should have experience preparing financial reports such as cost reports, general ledgers, and cash flow statements. Look for someone who has a good understanding of financial concepts and can present them in a clear and concise manner.

5. What type of budgets have you worked with?

The candidate should be familiar with preparing budgets for film and television productions. Look for someone who can handle complex budgeting structures and has experience in reconciling actuals to budget.

6. How do you ensure that production expenses are coded correctly for the production team?

Look for someone who has strong communication skills and can clearly explain the production accounting process to the production team. The candidate should be able to ensure that the production team is following the proper procedures when billing expenses and that the expenses are coded correctly.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to create a custom report for a production or executive team.

Look for someone who has experience working closely with production or executive teams and can create a custom report to meet their specific needs. The candidate should be able to understand the team's objectives and produce the report in a timely manner.

8. What type of internal controls have you implemented in past roles?

The candidate should have a good understanding of the importance of internal controls in accounting and auditing. Look for someone who has implemented procedures to ensure that expenses are properly vetted and that all documentation is properly filed.

9. What type of payment systems have you used in the past?

The candidate should have experience using payment systems, such as direct deposit and Paychex, and understand how to communicate with banks and other financial institutions. Look for someone who has experience with complex payment structures and can ensure payments are processed in a timely manner.

10. What experience do you have working with a team?

Since production accounting involves working closely with a wide variety of departments, look for someone who has experience working in a team environment. You want someone who is able to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and take responsibility for their own work.

Following these 10 questions should help you find the right production accountant for your production needs.

How to Prepare for Production Accountant Interview

Are you planning to pursue a career as a production accountant? If yes, you must be ready to face interviews in various companies. Preparation is the key to success in any profession, so make sure to prepare well for your interview. Here are some tips that you can follow to prepare for a production accountant interview:

1. Research the Company

Before going for the interview, gather all the necessary information about the company you are going to interview with. Look up their website and become familiar with their products, services, and company culture. Understanding the nature of the company and their goals will help you tailor your answers to the interviewer's questions.

2. Brush up on Your Accounting Skills

A production accountant must be well-versed in finance and accounting principles. The interviewer may ask you some intricate accounting questions, so you should be prepared to answer them. Refresh your knowledge of accounting concepts such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flows. Also, familiarize yourself with accounting software or tools used in the entertainment industry.

3. Prepare Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

There are some questions that the interviewer might ask in every production accountant interview, such as, "What is your experience with accounting software programs?" or "What is your process when auditing a production budget?" Prepare answers to these questions and practice them with a friend or family member to perfect your delivery.

4. Practice Good Communication Skills

As a production accountant, you will work closely with various professionals, including producers, directors, and accountants. Effective communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, make sure to show your communication skills by speaking clearly, concisely, and confidently. Using examples from your past work experiences can help you demonstrate your communication skills.

5. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter, and dressing professionally will speak volumes about your personality and seriousness towards the job. Choose a formal outfit that fits you perfectly and makes you feel confident. It would help if you also had clean nails, shined shoes, and a neat hairstyle. Taking care of the small details can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

Preparing for a production accountant interview requires effort and dedication, but it's worth it. Make sure to research the company, brush up your accounting skills, prepare answers to commonly asked questions, demonstrate good communication skills, and dress professionally. With these tips, you will impress the interviewer and be one step closer to landing your dream job!